The Weight of the Nation

At Kaiser Permanente, "Thrive" is more than a tagline for our advertisements—it's our mission. Nine million people nationwide and hundreds of thousands of Georgians have chosen us to provide their health coverage and health care, and that is a responsibility we take seriously.

Through a coordinated approach to care with a focus on preventive medicine, we strive to help our members achieve total health—mind, body and spirit. But there is an epidemic weighing us down, literally. Two out of three Americans are obese or overweight, placing them at a higher risk for chronic disease. So, Kaiser Permanente is partnering with several national organizations to take on The Weight of the Nation and guide communities to total health.

What is The Weight of the Nation?The Weight of the Nation is a public health campaign about the impact of obesity and excess weight. It centers on a four-part documentary series that premiered on HBO earlier this year. This fall, the series continues with films focused on children and families. Our goal is to raise awareness about the problem and spark conversations about solutions from living rooms to classrooms.

How Can I View The Weight of the Nation Documentary Films?Cable subscribers can view the documentaries on HBO. Check your local listings for air times. The films are also available on HBO.com and iTunes at no charge. If you would like to host a screening event, you can request a free screening kit at http://theweightofthenation.hbo.com.

What is Kaiser Permanente Doing to Support Healthy Eating and Active Living in Atlanta?Kaiser Permanente Georgia supports a number of healthy living initiatives in the metro Atlanta area through our Community Benefit program. We donated $2.5 million to develop the new Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail. The multi-use trail connecting Piedmont and Freedom parks provides Atlantans with a safe place to exercise. Kaiser Permanente Georgia also sponsors the Piedmont Park Green Market and provided grants to the Atlanta Community Food Bank and Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless to improve access to fresh, affordable produce.

What Steps Can I Take Now to Improve My Health?Exercise is medicine, and I prescribe it to my patients every day. Start a walking regimen—30 minutes a day, five days a week. Everybodywalk.org, a Web site powered by Kaiser Permanente, is a great resource for locating walking groups and trails in your community, as well as learning about the vast health benefits of walking.

Reginald Mason, MD is a board-certified pulmonologist with Kaiser Permanente Georgia. A graduate of the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, Mason completed his residency at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C. He returned to the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine to complete his pulmonary fellowship training.